Kittencals Italian Style Bread Recipes

KITTENCAL'S SEASONED DRY ITALIAN BREADCRUMBS

Steps:

• Slice the loaves of bread into quarters and leave out on the counter for 1-2 days (or you may also oven-dry the bread slices).
• Cut or break the bread in small cubes and place in a processor (you might have to do this in two batches) process until fine.
• Place the breadcrumbs into a bowl and add in all the remaining ingredients; mix gently.
• Pour the crumbs into a ziploc freezer bag and store in the freezer to use as needed.

KITTENCAL'S ITALIAN-STYLE BREAD

Steps:

• Prepare a heavy-duty stand mixer with the kneading attachment.
• Pour in 2-1/2 cups flour, cornmeal, 2 teaspoons sugar, olive oil and salt into the stainless steel mixing bowl.
• In a measuring cup proof the yeast with 1-1/4 cups warm water and 1 teaspoon sugar for about 8-10 minutes or until foamy.
• Pour the water/yeast mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture in it, then start kneading adding in more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough leaves the sides of the bowl, and dough is soft and smooth not sticky and wet (kneading should take about 6-8 minutes).
• Transfer the dough into an oiled bowl.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 45-50 minutes, or until doubled (watch the dough closely since you are using a smaller amount of flour, and using 3 teaspoons of yeast, the dough rises a little quicker!).
• Punch down; cover and let rest for about 10-12 minutes in the bowl (this is important, the dough must rest for 10-12 minutes after punching down and before shaping!).
• Transfer the dough onto a lightly-floured surface and evenly divide in half.
• Shape each half into a thin 10-12-inch long loaf (or you can shape in one thicker shorter loaf if desired).
• Place the shaped loaves onto a 15 x 10-inch baking sheet that has been lighly greased and then sprinkled with about 2 tablespoons cornmeal.
• Cover with a clean tea towel and let rise for about 25-30 minutes.
• Spray the tops of the bread with cooking spray (I use Pam olive oil spray for this).
• Bake at 400°F for about 20-22 minutes for 2 small long loaves, or until golden brown (adjust baking time longer for 1 large loaf).
• Cool on a wire rack.

KITTENCAL'S ITALIAN MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
• Shape into small meatballs (at this point you can place on a jelly-roll/baking sheet and freeze to use later, or cover with plastic wrap refrigerate up to 24 hours before using).
• Drop the meatballs into simmering pasta sauce, do not stir for at least 20 minutes or you will risk breaking the meatballs.
• Continue cooking in the simmering sauce for another 20 minutes (depending on how fast your sauce is simmering 40 minutes total should fully cook the meatballs).
• After the 40 minutes cooking time continue cooking your sauce with the meatballs in for as long as desired.
• **note** you may also bake the meatballs at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until cooked through.

KITTENCAL'S ITALIAN BREADED BAKED PARMESAN PORK CHOPS

Steps:

• Set oven to 350 degrees F.
• Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish or a medium jelly-roll baking sheet (or use a baking dish large enough to hold the chops in).
• In a bowl whisk together the eggs with milk.
• In a shallow dish mix together the dry breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne, parsley and Italian seasoning.
• Let the chops sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes.
• Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Dip the chops into the egg/milk mixture (allowing any excess to drip off of the chops).
• Coat in the breadcrumb mixture completely.
• Brown the chops in the skillet on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side) sprinkling both sides with seasoned salt when browning (you may omit this step if desired and just bake in the oven).
• Place in prepared baking dish.
• Bake the chops for about 25 minutes or until cooked (the cooking time will vary depending on how thick your chops are).

KITTENCAL'S SOFT WHITE BAGUETTE-STYLE BREAD

Steps:

• Prepare one large cookie sheet lined with foil and sprayed with non-stick cooking spray or sprinkled with yellow cornmeal.
• Attach the kneader blade to a heavy-duty stand mixer.
• In the stainless steel bowl, dump 3 cups flour (to start) 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon sugar.
• Melt the butter or Crisco shortening in the microwave for about 22 seconds then dump into the bowl with the flour, sugar and salt.
• In a small cup add in the yeast with 1 teaspoon sugar in 1-1/4 cups warm water; cover with small clean cloth, and proof the yeast for 8-10 minutes, stirring just once with a small spoon or whisk (if the yeast doesn't foam discard and start again).
• After 10 minutes, add in the yeast/water mixture into the bowl and start kneading, adding in more flour as needed to create a soft semi-sticky dough (careful not to add in too much flour, as this will create a heavy bread!).
• Knead for 7-8 minutes, or until dough is the right texture and is smooth.
• Remove dough from the bowl, and let sit on a lightly floured surface covered with a clean tea towel for 10 minutes (this is important!).
• After 10 minutes, knead very gently (dough will come together nicely).
• Form into a semi-round ball.
• Grease a large glass bowl (I just use the same stainless steel bowl that I made the dough in).
• Place the dough in the oiled bowl; cover with a clean tea towel and set in a warm place to rise aproximmately 1 hour.
• Punch down dough and remove to a floured surface.
• At this point you may cut the dough in half to make two small long breads, or keep into one piece for one large loaf.
• Using hands shape into a rectangle (no need to use a rolling pin this dough will shape very easy).
• Roll up tightly then seal all edges.
• Cover the shaped loaf/s with a clean dry tea towel, and let rise for about 30-35 minutes in a warm place.
• After rising set oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a small cup whisk/mix together 1 egg white with 1 teaspoon cold water.
• Lightly brush the egg white mixture over the dough, then sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
• Bake for 25-33 minutes, or until bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
• Delicious!